Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Barbados is a developing nation classified as high income. Located in the Atlantic Ocean (northeast of South America), the climate is classified as humid equatorial (no dry season).
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
See also: Library article for Yellow Fever
Although yellow fever does not occur in Barbados, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.
- Requirement: A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged ≥ 1 year coming from countries with risk of YF transmission (except Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, unless an outbreak is occurring). This does not apply to airport transit stops (no exit through immigration checkpoint) in risk countries.
Other Vaccines
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent seafood poisoning may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Chikungunya, dengue, Zika may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include helminths, leptospirosis, marine hazards, sexually transmitted infections.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Terrorism Risk
No intrinsic risk of attack by terrorist groups exists, but unforeseen attacks are possible.
Crime
Low risk of violent crime (armed robbery and sexual assault) exists throughout the country.
Moderate risk of petty crime exists throughout the country, especially in Bridgetown and areas frequented by tourists.
Water Safety
Hazardous water conditions (including currents, tides, and undertows) may occur, especially along the Atlantic coast. Heed posted warnings and avoid beaches that are not patrolled. Do not swim alone or after dark, and do not walk on any beach after dark.
Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.
Transportation Safety
Low risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is less than 7 per 100,000 population, the lowest risk category.
Speed laws are poorly enforced.
Drunk driving laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
The hurricane season is from June through November. Floods, mudslides, and landslides may occur.
Seismic activity occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Barbados
- United States: [+1-246] 227-4000; bb.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+1-246] 629-3550; www.barbados.gc.ca
- United Kingdom: [+1-246] 430-7800; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-barbados
- Australia: [+1-246] 434-1130
Barbados's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: [+1] 202-939-9200
- In Canada: [+1] 613-236-9517
- In the U.K.: [+44] 020-7299-7150
- In Australia: Barbados does not have an embassy or consulate in Australia.
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV and hepatitis testing may be required to obtain a work or residence visa.
